Air Fryer Garlic Shrimp

 

1/3 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1 pound large shrimp peeled, deveined, and dried

Cooking spray

1/2 cup 1 stick salted butter, melted

1 1/2 Tablespoons minced garlic

1 1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice about one lemon

Optional garnishes: Chopped parsley and lemon wedges

 

Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F (if your air fryer needs to preheat). Combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and dried basil in a small mixing bowl. Blot the shrimp dry with a paper towel and then place the shrimp in a gallon sized bag along with the cornstarch mixture. Toss the shrimp until it is coated thoroughly. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches. Spray the shrimp generously with cooking spray. Cook at 390 degrees F for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through. Spray the shrimp with another layer of cooking spray after they have been flipped. The shrimp should be pink and tightly curled. While the shrimp is cooking, make the garlic butter sauce by stirring together the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice together. Place the shrimp in a large bowl and stir in the garlic butter until combined. You can choose to enjoy it at this stage, or you can thicken the sauce by adding the shrimp and sauce to a skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce is thickened. This is a completely optional step. Remove from the skillet or air fryer and serve with a side of rice. Top with chopped parsley and a lemon wedge, optional.